Rep. Schneider Announces Nearly $1 Million in Federal Grants for Tenth District Fire Departments

Today, U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10) announced the award of more than $950,000 in federal funds to six communities in Illinois's Tenth Congressional District that will strengthen the ability of local firefighters to respond to fires and related hazards.

The funds were awarded through the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding will go toward critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience to promote the safety of both the public and firefighters.

"Our firefighters and first responders daily answer the call and put their lives on the line on behalf of our communities," said Schneider. "We owe it to them to ensure their departments have the resources and training they need to keep themselves and our neighborhoods safe. I am thrilled that six communities in our district were selected for this competitive grant. My team and I remain available to help fire departments and other local governmental and non-profit organizations locate and apply for federal grants."

• Fox Lake Fire Protection District was awarded $168,859 for purchase of a direct source capture exhaust system for the district's three fire stations. The exhaust system will improve safety for the firefighters by limiting exposure to carcinogens emitted from the diesel fueled fire and EMS vehicles.
• Lake Forest Fire Department was awarded $213,086 to purchase new air packs for the department.
• Libertyville Fire Department was awarded $58,582 to repair and improve their vehicle ventilation system.
• The Village of Niles was awarded $50,000 to replace the current breathing air compressor that is 26 years old.
• The Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District was awarded $52,728 for the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus units.
• Waukegan Fire Department was awarded $409,091 for purchase of a pumper truck.

Since January 2018, federal grants totaling $34,967,721 have been awarded to 51 organizations and individuals in Illinois' Tenth Congressional District. Congressman Schneider has written 34 letters of support written on behalf of local organizations seeking federal funding.